Welcome to the Morongo Basin’s Open Studio Art Tours 2007! This *free 10-day annual event honors the vast amount of talented artists, musicians and performers of the Morongo Basin. Celebrate with us by spending the days visiting your favorite artists and go to an evening event to experience live music, performances and shows. From award winning artists to music & film festivals to an on-site marble carving attraction, theatre shows that will have you laughing and Halloween spectaculars that will scare you, this year’s Art Tours has it all!
The event consists of two premiere weekends that are made up of West End, October 27 - 28 & East End, November 3 - 4. Studios and Galleries are open 9 am – 5 pm on their designated weekend. Galleries & Studios that are indicated by purple markers on the maps and in the artist pages are open additional weekday hours and/or hosting special events. Please refer to 'Events' & 'Programs/Maps' links for the events and artist pages for more information.
There are many locations to visit and events to attend, and although it would be nice to go to them all, it would be nearly impossible to attempt. Take the time to plan your own personalized self-guided tour. No matter what day or days you go out and visit our visual artists there are nightly events that we recommend you attend to end your day. You will find yourself celebrating with artists and supporters of the arts, like you. Ready, Set, Go!
The Open Studio Art Tours are brought to you by Morongo Basin Cultural Arts Council, Inc, a 501(c) (3) Nonprofit Organization
*some shows have a minimal entry fee, refer to the events pages for details.
Open Studio Art Tours History
For the past five years fall finds the artists of the Morongo Basin preparing to throw open their studios and galleries to visitors from all over Southern California and beyond for the Open Studio Art Tours.
The first "official" Open Studio Art Tours was hosted by Huell Howser and was part of the Desert Arts Festival held in October/November 2002 with 26 artists and 12 other venues offering music, visual arts and theatre shows over a 10 day period. With the help of the Morongo Basin Cultural Arts Council the Art Tours expanded to encompass all of the Morongo Basin and include towns of Wonder Valley, 29 Palms, Joshua Tree, Yucca Valley, Morongo Valley, Pioneertown and Landers.
In 2004, 56 artists participated and a "Gathering of Artists" kick-off party on Friday night before the first day of the tours was introduced. The "Gathering" has become one of the major social events of the high desert. Hundreds of artists, friends, sponsors and visitors gather for food, live music, meeting and socializing. (see Events page)
Today the Open Studio Art Tours is by far the largest annual art event of the Morongo Basin. Galleries, museums, theatres, shops, restaurants, inns and pubs all over the Basin join in to celebrate and offer all kinds of entertainment and unique experiences.
This year is the most ambitious Open Studio Art Tours to date. With more artists, live entertainment and special events than ever before! With the Art Tours website you can book your lodging, view all the artists bios and print out the program and maps of the tours making it easier to come visit the Morongo Basin for the celebration. With featured artists open more days than their designated weekend and entertainment happening every night of the 10 days allows visitors to plan their stay for any period of the event.
Information & Tips for a Successful Art Tours
Click on Artists page to view all the East & West end artists participating in the Art Tours. TIP: Pick the ones you are definitely going to visit. Unless you are staying more than a few days it may be unlikely for you to see them all.
Click on Events to find out what is happening any given night of the Art Tours for Live Music, Theatre Shows, Open Mic Nights and more!
Click on Lodging to view your choice of accommodations. Call and book your room. TIP: Book your reservations early. All lodging is sure to sell out before the event.
Click on Program/Maps to view, download or print the Official Art Tours Program.
FINAL TIP: Although the Art Tours are in the fall remember we are in the Mojave desert. Be prepared. Bring appropriate clothing and always drink water throughout the day.
Special Thanks to all the volunteers:
Art Tours Marketing, Poster, Website & Ad Designs by Andy Woods - Program & Maps by Shirley James & Bonnie Brady – Public Relations, Press Kit Design & Press Releases by Syndee Slayton - Press Kit Cover & Press Kits Original Art by Mary Kinninger Walker
MBCAC Committee Members:
Art Tours Committee: Andy Woods, Shirley James, Syndee Slayton, Mary Kinninger Walker, Nancy Lostlen, Bonnie Brady, Mary Courtney & Scott Monteith
Gathering Committee: Bonnie Brady, Bobby Furst, BC De Vore & Ann Beattie
Exhibitions Committee: Suzanne Ross, Laura Peterson Volz, Esther Shaw, John Luckett , Phyllis Schwartz, Regina Kirillov, Bobby Furst & Scott Monteith
Morongo Basin Cultural Arts Council (MBCAC) Board:
Scott Monteith, President - Syndee Slayton, Public Relations - Andy Woods, Art Tours Director - Suzanne Ross Exhibitions Director, - Laura Peterson Volz, Exhibitions - Bonnie Brady, Gatherings Director - Trent Taylor, Recording Secretary - Tobi Toboada, Membership - Don Nelson, Treasurer
©2007 Morongo Basin Cultural Arts Council, Inc.
ART TOURS INFORMATION / HISTORY
Morongo Basin
Cultural Arts Council, Inc.
501(C)3 not for profit organization
